Erysipelas

What is Erysipelas?

Erysipelas is a skin infection that  involves the upper dermis, or upper layer of skin.  This bacterial infection is similar to cellulitis, which is an infection in the lower layers of the skin. It occurs commonly in the legs but can also effect the face. It is formed by bacteria that has penetrated into the outer layers of the skin. Normally the bacteria that causes erysipelas do not cause harm, but if you have a cut or sore, they can enter.  Often times when erysipelas is seen on the face, the bacteria has spread from the nasal passages after an infection in the nose or throat.  The skin disease is most commonly seen in infants, children and the elderly. People with diabetes,immune deficiencies, fungal infections, skin ulcerations, alcoholism, and impaired lymphatic drainage are at a higher risk for erysipelas.

Erysipelas Symptoms

Symptoms of erysipelas include fever, chills, fatigue, vomiting, shaking, blisters on the effected area, general unwell feeling,  swollen glands  and headaches.  The infection on the skin will appear to be warm, red, swollen and will be painful.   The skin lesion could have a raised border.  Sores can be seen on the bridge of the nose and both cheeks.   Causes of erysipelas include obesity, athletes foot, cuts and ulcers on the skin, insect bites, injecting illegal drugs, uncontrolled diabetes, anything that will suppress the immune system, swollen legs due to health problems like heart failure, surgical incisions, skin conditions like eczema, or having previous episodes with erysipelas.

If you suspect that you have erysipelas, contact your doctor.  The doctor will often times be able to tell just by looking at the area effected if erysipelas is the diagnosis.

 Erysipelas Treatment

Treatment for erysipelas often includes home treatment.  In severe cases, a patient with erysipelas could be hospitalized.  To begin home treatment, raise the effected area to reduce any swelling. Elevation may need to take place for several days to see an improvement in swelling.  Do note that it is important to stand and walk from time to time to get blood flowing and to make sure to drink plenty of fluids.

Antibiotics are usually prescribed for erysipelas.  For a less severe case, antibiotics will be prescribed for up to two weeks.  For severe cases, the patient may need to go  into the hospital for intravenous treatments.   For those with repeat episodes of erysipelas, long term antibiotics could be prescribed.  Painkillers will be given for severe pain and discomfort and to treat any fever. If athletes foot is the cause of erysipelas, anti-fungal medication may be prescribed.

Surgery is also another treatment that is used for erysipelas.  This is reserved for severe cases in which tissue that was once healthy has died. The dead tissue could need to be cut away.

Treatment will be needed to clear up erysipelas.  If treatment is not administered, one takes the risk of developing blood clots.  Other risks include gangrene, an abscess, infected heart valves, joint and bone infections, and blood poisoning.  If erysipelas is near the eyes, the infection could also spread to your brain.

How to help prevent Erysipelas?

There are things that one can do to prevent erysipelas.  If you do have a wound, keep it clean. Athletes foot should be treated as soon as you notice you have it or suspect that you have it.  Do not scratch your skin, especially if it is dry, and always use a good moisturizer to prevent the skin from cracking due to excessive dry skin.  If you do have any skin conditions such as eczema or dermatitis, treat those accordingly.

Outlook for erysipelas is very good.  The skin will usually take a few weeks to heal, but with proper treatment and prevention, the outcome can be very good.

Reference Sources:

1. About.com – Dermatology

2. Health in Plain English